Dragoncrest Cliffs I - declare - BANKRUPTCY!

The kind words were a temporary balm upon her pain—a respite that lasted just a few fleeting moments. Then Chacal sung-spoke again, and all of her worst fears were realized.

Hot tears welled up again, the salt stinging the fresh wounds upon her muzzle.

Oh, God. Do I look. . .awful? she said in a tiny voice, feeling as if she'd been cast into the deepest pit and now stared up at Chacal's face from the bottom of it. A light, shining. . .but very distant.

Lilitu had always prided herself on her looks: a plush, willowy frame, a beautiful countenance, a pair of gorgeous yellow-green eyes. She'd been captivated by her reflection in rippling pools more than once.

Was this some sort of punishment for vanity? she wondered.